Epping Forest MP Dr Neil Hudson has written to Thames Water urging the company to ensure that its ongoing mains replacement programme causes as little disruption as possible to residents across Loughton.
Following the completion of works on Queens Road, Spareleaze Hill, Hillyfields, Woodbury Hill and Rectory Lane, Thames Water's mains replacement programme will continue across several roads in Loughton throughout the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. The £30 million project forms part of Thames Water’s largest upgrade programme in 150 years, with the company investing over £20 billion to fix leaks, reduce pollution and safeguard water quality. Work in Loughton is now underway and will continue for around three years.
The scheduled works are as follows:
- Traps Hill – June 2026 to December 2026
- Debden Lane – June 2026 to August 2026
- York Hill – July 2026 to September 2026
- England's Lane – August 2026 to July 2027
- Staples Road – August 2026 to July 2027
- Carroll Hill – September 2026 to December 2026
- Kings Hill – September 2026 to November 2026
- Hillcroft – October 2026 to December 2026
Residents on affected roads will receive dedicated advance notification letters ahead of works commencing in their area, setting out start dates, traffic management arrangements and local access information. To minimise disruption, works will generally be carried out in approximately 100-metre sections, allowing completed stretches to reopen as the project progresses.
Dr Hudson has sought assurances from Thames Water that they will work closely with Essex County Council and other affected utility companies to coordinate activity, minimise disruption and ensure there is no loss of water supply. He has also stressed the importance of Thames Water maintaining regular, clear communication with residents by keeping them informed of upcoming works, explaining how to raise concerns directly with the company, and providing updates as the programme progresses.
The works come against the backdrop of significant uncertainty surrounding Thames Water's financial future. The Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds, has this week written to Ofwat opposing a proposed rescue deal put forward by a consortium of London & Valley Water lenders. The consortium is seeking approval to write off nearly half of Thames Water's £20 billion debt and invest further funds in exchange for more lenient short-term pollution targets. The Environment Secretary has formally opposed the proposal, citing concerns over outcomes for customers and the environment. The Government has indicated it is preparing for all eventualities, including the possibility of temporary nationalisation.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, said:
"Whatever uncertainty surrounds Thames Water's future, there can be no excuse for a drop in service delivery or infrastructure maintenance.
“Residents in Loughton deserve to have this essential work completed efficiently and with the minimum possible disruption to their daily lives and without any of the costs being passed on to bill payers. Both as the Epping Forest MP and Shadow DEFRA Minister, I will continue to hold Thames Water to account on behalf of my constituents and wider and ensure their concerns are heard."
